Hardship LevelE (most hardship)
Family TypeNon Family with Residential Location
Family TypeNon Family with Residential LocationDanger Pay
Residential location (if applicable)
Accra, Ghana
GradeNOA
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeNational Professional Officer
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Target Start Date2025-02-11
Deadline for ApplicationsFebruary 20, 2025
Standard Job Description
Assistant Project Control Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Assistant Project Control Officer is part of the multi-functional team. In coordination with DFAM's Implementing Partnership Management Service, s/he is responsible and accountable for providing substantive support, guidance, and oversight on the effective management of the Enhanced Framework for Implementing with Partners (the Framework) as well as oversight on the effective management of Direct Implementation.
Complementary to programme management, s/he will support and conduct analysis and assessment of risks associated with partnerships and direct implementation, policy compliance, operational practices, mitigation measures and gaps and make technical recommendations or decisions in line with the principles of the Framework, of UN/UNHCR's financial rules, policies and regulations and operational context.
The incumbent prompts partnership integrity and other safeguarding mechanisms for ensuring sound stewardship and accountability of funds entrusted to partners or through direct implementation arrangements (e.g. contracts for the procurement of goods and/or services) to ensure resources are used in the most efficient and effective manner to attain the best results for persons of concern.
The Assistant Project Control Officer will promote dialogue and consultations for strengthening partnerships and have frequent contacts with UNHCR colleagues, particularly project control and programme staff. S/he may have contact with external stakeholders, such as UNHCR-funded partners, auditors, oversight bodies, and host governments on matters related to partnerships. The incumbent will be mindful of all dimensions of partnerships in accordance with the Principles of Partnership, the Code of Conduct, UN/UNHCR's financial rules, policies and regulations and other relevant documents.
In the Regional Bureaux, the incumbent works under the supervision of the Regional Controller. In the Country and Multi-Country Offices, the incumbent normally works under the direct supervision of the Representative or Deputy Representative, Head of Office or (Senior) Project Control Officer, as applicable.
All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Duties
- Participate in the annual assessment and planning cycle.
- Assist with the review of project agreements, ensuring that they are in conformity with Country Operation Plans and UNHCR's rules, policies and procedures.
- Assist with the formulation and implementation of a performance project monitoring plan in collaboration with the Programme Unit and MFT.
- Assist with the development of the direct implementation monitoring plan in collaboration with the Programme Unit and other relevant functions.
- Assist with the support of Programme and other relevant functions in the selection of implementation modalities.
- Contribute to tracking the management of project and direct implementation risks in collaboration with the Programme Unit, and report major risks to senior management.
- Contribute to reviewing, analysing and verifying Financial and Performance Partner Reports (PFR and -PPR), and to checking accuracy and consistency between PFR and PPR, in accordance with partnership agreements.
- Monitor, track and verify that expenditure for direct implementation by UNHCR is in line with the approved budget.
- Conduct reviews of the internal control systems of partners implementing projects and provide advice as required.
- Provide input on identified variants, risks and issues to partners, Programme Unit and escalate to management as required.
- Support timely project closure in coordination with the Programme Unit.
- Provide input to the mid- and end-year programme review process on issues related to project control.
- Maintain professional relationships with partners implementing projects and UNHCR's contractors.
- Keep up-to-date with all UNHCR rules, regulations and procedures necessary to perform these duties.
- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P1/NOA - 1 year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Business Administration;
Economics;
Management;
or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Accounting;
Auditing;
Finance (CPA/CIA or equivalent);
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential:
Good knowledge of international auditing standards.
Desirable:
Good understanding of the workflows of major Enterprise Resource Planning financial modules (such as PeopleSoft, SAP or Oracle). Working experience with accrual accounting (such as IPSAS or IFRS).
Functional Skills
FI-Financial auditing
PM-Project Monitoring
FI-International Auditing Standards
DM-Data Collection and Analysis
CO-Reporting skills
EL-Monitoring and Evaluation
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
Desired Candidate Profile The desired candidate profile for this position is as follows:
- Knowledge of refugee and IDP operations is highly desirable.
- A solid background in audit, accounting, and internal control is essential.
- Experience with UN/UNHCR, INGOs, or international accounting firms is an
asset.
- A university degree in Finance, Accounting, or Audit and other related field
is desirable.
- Proficiency in Hausa, Kanuri, or other local languages in the Northeast is
advantageous.
- Familiarity with the cultural and political landscape of the Northeastern
region is preferred.
- Membership in a professional accountancy body such as ACCA, ICAN, or
CPA is highly desirable.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Hazard: Road safety remains a concern in and other parts of Borno state. Frequent road traffic accidents are recorded across the state. Diseases such as Malaria, Cholera etc. are prevalent in Maiduguri and other areas. COVID-19 (coronavirus); restrictions have been relaxed. However, the government implemented measures to prevent the spread of the virus, and updates can be seen on Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) web page link:
https://ncdc.gov.ng/diseases/guidelines
Travel: Travelers should ensure that they have a valid C-19 Vaccination and Yellow fever immunization Cards, as this may be requested upon arrival. There is an UN Clinic in Maiduguri and few UN-recommended hospitals as well. A comprehensive UN Medical Evacuation plan is also in place for the NE operation. For further details on occupational safety, staff members are encouraged to contact OHS Focal Persons.
The Assistant Project Control Officer, reporting to the Head of Sub Office in Maiduguri, Borno State, will provide oversight and monitoring for UNHCR's projects, implemented by nine partners across the Northeastern states of Borno and Adamawa. The incumbent is also expected to track expenditures and ensure compliance with UNHCR policies for projects under direct implementation.
Based in the UNHCR Sub Office in Maiduguri, Borno state, this role requires close coordination with the Country Office in Abuja. As a key advisor in resource management and financial reporting, the position requires strong skills in finance, risk management, internal control systems, audit, and program management, as well as technical expertise in Enterprise Resource Planning Systems.
Key responsibilities include assisting the Head of Sub Office in reviewing project partnership agreements, conducting internal control assessments of partner systems, monitoring audit recommendations, and verifying financial reports from partners. The Officer will also monitor project performance, track risks, support project closure at the end of the implementation period and ensure compliance with UNHCR rules for direct implementation.
Close collaboration with colleagues in the programme, finance, and supply units, as well as with government and NGO partners, is essential to ensure projects are implemented according to plan. The role demands cultural sensitivity, diplomacy, teamwork, strong interpersonal skills, and effective communication.
Maiduguri has a tropical savanna climate that boarders on a hot semi-arid climate with a dry season and a wet season. The temperature is warm year-round, with August and September having the lowest average high at 31.3 °C (88.3 °F) and December having the lowest average at 16.9°C (62.4°F). March has as the highest average high of 43.8°C (109.0°F), while April has the highest average low at 27.0 °C (80.6 °F). The highest temperatures occur in March and April, just before the wet season starts.
Security Consideration
Borno State is a high-risk area and continue to be the epicenter of the insurgency with Maiduguri town as its state capital. Most parts of the Northeast region of Nigeria are affected by armed conflict and terrorism with crimes including abductions/kidnapping for ransom also prevalent. Being a Level 5 High-Risk Duty station, mandatory adherence to all SRM measures is vital for safety and security of UNHCR personnel and/or assets and operations.
Missions to the deep field where most IDPs reside is dependent on UNHAS helicopters that fly to various deep field locations. Official movements within the town are safe and carried out with armored vehicles. For now, movement by road out of Maiduguri town has been suspended due to high risk of abductions/kidnappings perpetrated by None State Armed Groups (NSAGs).
There is a UN Clinic located in Maiduguri as well as a few other health facilities available in the city. Should there be any need for referral to larger hospitals, referrals are made to the capital city Abuja.
National staff reside in Maiduguri town. For their own security and that of dependent family members, staff are advised to ensure residential security measures in their accommodations.
Additional Qualifications
SkillsCO-Reporting skills, DM-Data Collection and Analysis, EL-Monitoring and Evaluation, FI-Financial auditing, FI-International Auditing Standards, PM-Project Monitoring
EducationBachelor of Arts (BA): Accounting, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Economics, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Finance, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Public Administration
CertificationsAccounting - Other, Association of Chartered Certified Accountant - ACCA, Auditing - Other, Certif. Practicing Accountant - Other, Chartered Accountant (CA) - Other, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants - CIMA, Institute of Management Accountants - Other
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Additional InformationEligible candidate will be required to go through a functional assessment. Additionally, shortlisted candidate will required to participate in oral interview. Also, female candidate are highly encouraged to apply.
Functional clearanceThis position requires Functional Clearance